Pulsed Radiofrequency Decreases pERK and Affects Intracellular [Ca2.sup.+] Influx, Cytosolic ATP Level, and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in the Sensitized Dorsal Root Ganglion Neuron Induced by N-Methyl D-Aspartate

Background: The molecular mechanism of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) in chronic pain management is not fully understood. Chronic pain involves the activation of specific N-Methyl D-Aspartate receptors (NMDAR) to induce central sensitization. This study aims to determine the effect of PRF on central sensitization biomarker phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), [Ca2.sup.+] influx, cytosolic ATP level, and mitochondrial membrane potential ([delta][PSI]m) of the sensitized dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuron following NMDAR activation. Methods: This study is a true experimental in-vitro study on a sensitized DRG neuron induced with 80 [micro]M NMDA. There are six treatment groups including control, NMDA 80 [micro]M, Ketamine 100 [micro]M, PRF 2Hz, NMDA 80 [micro]M + PRF 2 Hz, and NMDA 80 [micro]M + PRF 2 Hz + ketamine 100 [micro]M. We use PRF 2 Hz 20 ms for 360 seconds. Statistical analysis was performed using the One-Way ANOVA and the Pearson correlation test with [alpha]=5%. Results: In the sensitized DRG neuron, there is a significant elevation of pERK. There is a strong correlation between [Ca2.sup.+], cytosolic ATP level, and [delta][PSI]m with pERK intensity (p